When Markus Golden is in the lineup ready to be a disruptor and menacing pass rusher on the edge, he’s a dangerous, high-energy defender capable of altering games in the Cardinals’ favor. The problem, of course, is that he’s not in Arizona’s lineup at the moment as he continues to recover from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.

The Cardinals are covered at right defensive end, as the NFL’s reigning sacks leader, Chandler Jones, returns to fully man his spot among the starting front four. But with Golden having both his good days and bad days during his difficult journey back, there is a glaring hole that needs to be filled at left end.

There is a very realistic chance that Golden won’t be ready for the start of the season Sept. 9 when the Cardinals open at home against the Redskins. Though Golden will be well within the typical recovery time for a player coming back from such an injury, there are some concerns that it might take longer than expected.

So what are the Cardinals to do?

“Right now it’s a fluid situation, OK? It’s a fluid situation,” defensive coordinator Al Holcomb said. “We’ve got a lot of bodies there right now. It’s training camp. We’re rolling guys, taking a look at guys with the first group and the second group. We’re just mixing and matching right now.”

The Cardinals’ unofficial depth chart won’t be released until early next week as they prepare for their first preseason game next Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. There are a handful of players, though, in competition for Golden’s starting spot should his stay on the physically-unable-to-perform list be extended or worse, he suffers a further setback and be forced to start the year on injured reserve.

The Cardinals aren’t saying it’s that bad, but they aren’t saying much of anything about Golden’s recovery timetable, either. In many respects, the silence surrounding Golden isn’t so golden. And that, potentially, speaks volumes.

Holcomb was asked a question about another aspect of the Cardinals’ defense, but he may as well have been talking about the team’s defensive end situation when he said: “We have a lot of moving parts right now. As we continue to conquer old problems, we go back and fix the new problems.”

On the surface, the Cardinals appear to have themselves covered, although it’s hard to replace a player like Golden, who led the team with 12½ sacks two years ago.

Vontarrius Dora, a third-year pro who has spent time on the Broncos’ and Colts’ practice squads, has been getting some first-team reps in camp and has been sharing them with two veteran free agents: Benson Mayowa, who spent the past two seasons with the Cowboys, and Arthur Moats, who has appeared in 121 career games with the Steelers and Bills.

The team also recently signed Jacquies Smith, who has bounced around the league since 2012, and brought back Cap Capi on Thursday. There’s definitely a rotation to be found among them – and others – until Holcomb and coach Steve Wilks settle on a pecking order.

“To us, our defensive ends have to play the run and rush the passer,” Holcomb said. “So it’s not just one-dimensional. Obviously, there’s some guys around the league that specialize as a pass rusher, but within our system we want guys who are able to play both – the run and the pass – effectively.”

CLOSE

Bob McManaman joins the Shot Clock live from outside of the Cardinals training camp practice at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Thomas Hawthorne, The Republic | azcentral.com

Moats said there is strength in numbers until Golden makes it back.

“I feel like we’ve got a good group of guys and a good rotation going on,” he said. “I feel like we’re all learning from each other but at the same time, but we’re also pushing each other. As long as we do that every day, it’s going to help us all get better as a whole.

“We have a good variety of guys. We’ve got veterans in the room, guys that can play multiple positions, guys who are up and coming. Because a lot of us come from different teams, we also bring different experiences, different knowledge of certain systems and schemes, and I feel like all that in the same room will just help us grow.”

Regardless of when Golden is able to play, Jones said he plans to raise his game to a new level. And this from a guy who, after setting a franchise record with 17 sacks, was a first-team All-Pro last season and a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year honors. An even more dominant Jones will help, but he knows the Cardinals need Golden back in the fold.

“It’s not just for our side of the field, but for the whole team,” Jones said. “Markus is a vocal leader and he’s a guy that you can feel his presence out there. … We’re going to be excited to get him back. He’s a hell of a player.”

Wilks hasn’t had the luxury of coaching Golden yet. He’s relishing the moments, though, after watching some of Golden’s best plays on tape.

“I can’t wait to get him back on the field,” Wilks said. “Everything I’ve heard about him in the past and just talking to him all the time, he brings a lot of energy, and that’s what I love.”

Cardinals' Christian Kirk (13) and Chad Williams (10) talk as they walk back on a drill during practice at the Cardinals Training Facility in Tempe, Ariz. on Aug. 19, 2018. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Cap Capi (61) practices on special teams with coordinator Jeff Rodgers during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale August 13, 2018. Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals running back T.J. Logan (22) runs with the ball during the annual Red and White Practice on Aug. 4, 2018, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald laughs as he talks to head coach Steve Wilks during the annual Red and White practice on Aug. 4, 2018, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks talks with team president Michael Bidwill during the annual Red and White Practice on Aug. 4, 2018, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley slowly walks-off the field after suffering an injury during the annual Red and White Practice on Aug. 4, 2018 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley leaves on a cart after an injury during the annual Red and White Practice on Aug. 4, 2018 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals center A.Q. Shipley leaves on a cart after an injury during the annual Red and White Practice on Aug. 4, 2018 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals David Johnson and Josh Rosen sign autographs after the annual Red and White Practice on Aug. 4, 2018 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson signs autographs for the fans during the annual Red and White Practice on Aug. 4, 2018 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Brice Butler (12) watches a team mate on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals running back D.J. Foster (37) runs to the sideline on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Brice Butler (12) listens to a team mate on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Mike Glennon (7) prepares to grab a ball on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rashad Ross (15) jumps for the ball on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) walks to the sideline on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) talks to a team mate on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver C.J. Duncan (82) walks down the field after catching the ball on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals defensive back A.J. Howard (38) walks down the field on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) watches a play on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) is held back Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jeremy Cash (52) on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) runs while watching a play on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Lou Young (32) adjusts his helmet on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Bynes (57) yells to a team mate on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) smiles while talking to other quarterbacks on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) listens to other quarterbacks speak on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen (3) smiles while talking to other quarterbacks on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Korey Cunningham (79) walks up the field while warming up on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals center Mason Cole (64) looks to a team mate on August 2, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals Training Camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz/The Republic

The Arizona Cardinals continue camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Monday, July 30, 2018.
Defensive tackles Corey Peters, left, and Robert Nkemdiche run off the field. Tom Tingle/The Republic

Cardinals Antoine Bethea (41) and Budda Baker (36) wait for their set to take the field during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on July 29, 2018. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Cardinals Tre Boston (38), Antoine Bethea (41) and Budda Baker (36) take the field together defensively during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on July 29, 2018. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steven Wilks (right) on July 28, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) goes through a drill on July 28, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Chris Campbell (33) watches a drill on July 28, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (center) watches for the call on July 28, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Chris Campbell (33) watches a drill on July 28, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) walks down the field on July 28, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) and Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Peli Anau (63) listen to directions on July 28, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. on July 28, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals safety Rudy Ford (30) dives for the ball on July 28, 2018, during the Arizona Cardinals training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Brian Munoz, Brian Munoz/The Republic